PG Tips and Orange have teamed up to produce a kettle that switches itself on when it receives an SMS.

The kettle has a built-in mobile receiver that is activated by sending a message to the phone. This activates a mechanical lever that turns the kettle on remotely.

"We are always inventing new ways to improve the way tea is drunk," said Pete Harbour, PG Tips brand manager.

"It's a great gadget that will stop arguments over who's going to put the kettle on, give people longer to sit and watch their favourite TV programme and provide some teatime fun!"

The kettle, named ReadyWhenUR, has been developed for the launch of the latest Wallace and Gromit film, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, and will be in the shops by January.